Learning Express Toys

Learning Express is the largest specialty toy retailer in the United States with over 100 locations across the country. As the leader of the specialty toy and children's gift category, we provide a fun and friendly shopping environment, with a knowledgeable sales staff that provides expert advice to parents looking for that perfect toy.
At Learning Express, we believe that toys should be fun, that toys and games should encourage learning through play. We also believe the shopping experience should be enjoyable, stress-free, and fun!
Learning should be FUN
At Learning Express, we pride ourselves on the quality and uniqueness of our toy selection. We offer a full line of children's toys including developmental toys for infant, toddler and preschool age kids. We also feature arts and crafts for budding artists, the coolest spy stuff, the "grooviest" girl stuff, construction sets galore, and other unique items exclusive to Learning Express and specialty toy retailers.

Announcements

Stop by to see Mrs. Fisher Cat Calico Critter Mascot from 1:00pm-3:00pm

-Take your photo with Mrs. Fisher Cat

-Enter drawings for a chance to win valuable Calico Critter prizes

-Pick up a goody bag during your visit

“Caps Off to Westfield’s Blue Devil” Book Signing on March 18th from 10:00am-11:00am

Westfield’s very own children’s book written by three Westfield residents who are Ed Fund Board Members. All proceeds from the sales of this book go directly to the Westfield Education Fund which awards grants to all of the Westfield Public Schools to enrich the education experience for our students.

Formally located on Elm Street, you certainly don’t have to be a kid to love shopping at Learning Express on Quimby Street in Westfield. Owned by Elaine Jordan, and managed by Cheryl Burns and assistant manager Alison Grasso, from books to toys, it’s all on the shelves at this “Happening” emporium.

“When the location became available, I jumped at the chance to move closer to town,” says Jordan. “We believe we have the right products for kids of all ages. We go that extra mile for someone special that wants a favorite gift or toy. Just one quick look in the window, and you’ll notice a favorite “Something” that silently beckons visitors of every age to quickly, “Come-Right-in!”.

From Skateboards to a Spooner Board, Yup, that’s the name of a kind of curved “Snowboard”, that anyone in the family can easily maneuver; Come test ride it! See how it glides, on carpet, floors, grass, and even the driveway. Another great inspiration for any “child” or even a “grown-up”, is ‘Learning to Play the Piano’. Unlike other “kid” pianos, where they kind of just bang on the keys, your youngster will actually be able to play a “real” song.

I watched a group of little girls head to a gift box marked “Silly Hair”. It contained an adorable doll named “LaLa Loopsy”. Perfect for little girls that love to discover new and attractive ways to style hair....theirs, or anyone elses...this perfect gift could easily motive the designing diva that you know and love. And since “Party Favors” are a must for guests attending little girl or guy parties, LaLa Loopsy has a mound of mini party favors that all kids and even grown-ups enjoy. Purchase Magic Milk Straws, Scratch and Sketch pads, Piggy Banks, and all kinds of jewelry.

“The owner of our jewelry line comes from Massachusetts, said proprietor Jordan. “He is very excited about Learning Express. While here, he graciously offers our customers the chance to select their favorite piece of jewelry, and thanks them for shopping in our location.”

Take time to really look around. Note an excellent array of sparkle among the aisles. I chose a “Mood” ring with pink hearts, another friend sports one with butterflies. But the wise shopper should come and check out the “Designer” watches that you’d easily pay twice the price, in trendy “grown-up” stores.

Learning Express is filled with all kinds of nifty items 5th and 6th graders might like...like jeweled pencils or pens, or “Mogo” bracelets, or “Locker Lookz” a funky line that highlights “Designer” School Lockers. Purchase designer “Messenger” eraser boards and mirrors decorated in bright colors with giant black or white polka dots. They’re also choosing smaller lamps that offer a soft glow.

Alison Grasso is right out there with the crowd. Demonstrating a Plasma Car, the vehicle is great for traveling on any even surface. Merely place your feet on special pads, use the steering wheel, and the car just goes. In colors of Pink, Blue and Red, it’s a great gift for kids with a great play area. You might consider the Z Curve for Dad. It’s a “real” Bow and Arrow that really “Shoots. Why not invite him to visit Learning Express and try it out?

Manager Cheryl Burns encourages moms and dads to schedule play dates featuring activities that kids really love. She’s also hooked on Magna Tiles, and of course, Legos. “Don’t forget to stock up on Stocking Stuffers for Christmas, and all kinds of goodies for the 8 days of Hanukah. Before you know it, the holidays will soon be here,” she quips.

Learning Express features anything and everything you can think of for kids of all ages, including “YOU”!

Millicent K. BrodySeptember 30th, 2011

Photo: Elaine Jordon and Alison Grasso having fun at Learning Express

What You Need to Know: Learning Express, 104 Quimby Street, Westfield Call: 908-233-1381 Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thurs; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. FYI: Sign up for a Party Registry. Like a bridal shower, friends may select and purchase gifts, guaranteeing no duplicates. Ask about Play Dates and Party activities. Let kids “secretly” select their own gifts. They’ll be wrapped and ready for all occasions. Talk to Elaine about hosting a birthday party.

Learning Express Toys of Westfield is working hard to bring you a new and improved shopping experience. They will be relocating to 104 Quimby Street in the heart of downtown Westfield. Look for the new location to offer you curbside pick up and online ordering from their secure website! Stay tuned for more exciting details. Note that they will remain at their current location at 184 Elm St. until the end of July. Learning Express is also looking to hire people to join their team in September. This is a perfect opportunity for moms who want flexible work schedules (mornings, afternoons or weekends). They offer a competitive salary based on individual experience and a generous 25% discount. For more info, please email

Prize: A Classroom Jeopardy! for the teacher; a $200 shopping spree to Learning Express for the childDates: Entries will be accepted May 1 – June 31, 2011Details:

Essay Topic: “Do you have an extra-special teacher? Write a one page essay describing what makes your teacher wonderful and enter it for the chance to win!”

Eligibility: The contest is open to all legal U.S. residents enrolled in a state certified educational curriculum program, equivalent to grades Kindergarten through grade 8 on May 1, 2011, except the panel of judges or employees of Educational Insights and Learning Express Inc., their affiliates, retailers, subsidiaries, agents, advertising and public relations agencies, and the immediate families and/or household members of each.

Judging Criteria: Essays will be judged based on earnestness, creativity, and the merit of the teacher as explained by the student.

Winners: Three winners will be selected by a panel of teachers. The winning teacher will be shipped The Classroom Jeopardy! and the winning student will receive a $200 Learning Express Toys gift card.

How to Enter: For more details and to pick up your entry form visit Learning Express Toys of Westfield.